Coconut Oil For Hair

Coconut oil has been a staple in many countries for thousands of years. Over time, people have found that the coconut can provide for all kinds of health and beauty benefits, so much so, that the tree responsible for producing them, the palm tree, is known in many Pacific cultures as ‘the tree of life’.

What Does Coconut Oil Do For Your Hair?

When it comes to hair, coconut oil works in several different ways. These include helping to improve hair shine and beautifying, as a conditioner and for dandruff treatment and prevention.

When applying a coconut oil product to your hair, always look for pure, unrefined, virgin coconut oil as this will give the best results.

Coconut Oil For Thinning Hair

Some people claim that using coconut oil can assist with the regrowing of hair, and therefore, be effective for thinning or falling hair. However, there is no scientific evidence as of yet, that coconut oil can help with this. However, it stands to reason that the fatty acids along with the high levels of Vitamin K and Vitamin E may actually provide sufficient nourishment for hair and their follicles.

When coconut oil is used for the hair, a person should massage the oil into the scalp as the massaging motion itself will help to stimulate blood flow to the follicles. Combining the coconut oil with rosemary essential oil can also be beneficial when massaging it into the scalp, as rosemary also helps to stimulate blood flow.

Coconut oil is also highly beneficial for the skin and can be used for everyday moisturizing. Therefore, applying it to the scalp can be helpful for overall scalp health.

Application

It is recommended that a person massages the coconut oil into the scalp for up to 10 minutes, three to four times each week. Those who claim to have received benefits from this method say that visible effects can often take a few months to occur.

Another benefit of massaging coconut oil into the scalp is that it can also help with dandruff as it is an antibacterial agent. Doing this will provide the added benefit of being able to treat your scalp naturally without you having to use any harsh chemicals.

While most of the effects of coconut oil on the hair have been found when a person takes it internally, it stands to reason that it may also be beneficial to apply it directly to your hair and scalp. This is due to the nutritional properties found in coconut oil which can help to keep the hair healthy and beautiful.

Using Coconut Oil For Hair Growth

When choosing a brand to use for your hair, always go for the highest quality extra virgin coconut oil. Being a popular product, it is very easy to find online.

When using the oil, you will notice that it solidifies in colder temperatures, typically below 24 Celsius/75.2 Fahrenheit, and becomes liquefied as the temperature rises above this. Therefore, you should always store in a cool, dry place, but not in the refrigerator. Keeping the coconut oil in a pantry or cupboard is usually fine.

Don’t worry if the coconut oil does liquefy in its container. This does not affect the quality or effectiveness of the oil, and it will return to a solid state once the temperature drops again.

When it is in a semisolid state, take a piece of the oil and warm it between your palms before applying it. You do not have to measure it precisely, just judge for yourself how much you think your hair and scalp requires depending upon your hair length. Typically, about a teaspoon’s worth is suitable for short hair, whereas longer hair may need two teaspoons.

Once you have the required amount, you can massage it into your scalp and along the mid-shaft of the hair. The latter is best if you have oily hair. If you are trying to regrow your hair, then you will want to leave it in overnight. However, if you are using it to help with hair thickness, then you can wash it out after five minutes.

When and When Not to Use Coconut Oil for Hair

While coconut oil is perfectly safe – you can even eat it! – It can react differently to different hair types. Therefore, it is recommended to try just small amounts for the first few days to see how your hair responds.

If you notice any adverse effects, then stop using the oil straight away. You may also wish to ask your hairdresser for their advice for using coconut oil with your hair type.

Hair Type

Most people with fine or medium hair will usually get excellent results from coconut oil. However, people with coarse hair may not see good results as it can often aggravate coarse, brittle hair types.

If your hair type is coarse or brittle, then you should avoid using it as it can cause hair loss. In this case, your hair may fair better to argan oil. If you are in any doubt, then have a chat with your hairdresser to get their opinion on your hair type.

Allergies

If you have any allergies to coconuts or coconut oil, then you should also not use it. It does not matter what type of hair you have, you will need to opt for another type of natural oil like argan instead.

Hair Styling

When it comes to a hair styling lotion, coconut oil is not the best option. It can, at different temperatures, solidify, which can weigh the hair down and make it look greasy. In warmer temperatures, it can quickly melt. Still, for the most part, and for most people, it is excellent for an all-around hair remedy.

Summary

If you have the right hair type and are using it to thicken or regrow your hair, try to use it religiously every day. Make sure you eat healthily so that you can nourish new hair growth from within. Therefore, incorporating coconut oil into your diet can also be beneficial.

When using coconut oil for hair growth, you will need to be patient as people who have reported benefits from this method have said that it can take around four months or so to see results. However, if it works without introducing any harmful chemicals into your system then using coconut oil will be worthwhile for your hair’s overall health and beauty.